Be part of the Mushroom Festival: Register now for events

Take your Mushroom Festival experience to the next level by registering for one of its special events such as the Antique and Classic Car Show, the Mushroom Run/Walk, or the Cute-As-A-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest, or the Community Parade. Many events offer discounts for preregistration and include admission wristbands. All applications and online registration links are found the Mushroom Festival's website at mushroomfestival.org. Here's a look at the special events:

Carla Hall in the Culinary Tent: Carla Hall, host of ABCs The Chew and former Top Chef contestant is the 28th Annual Mushroom Festival's Celebrity Chef. Tickets for her culinary demonstrations at noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, are on sale now.

Volunteers needed: One way to thoroughly enjoy the day at the Mushroom Festival is to volunteer for one of its half-day shifts. Volunteers receive t-shirts, admission wristbands, and parking passes. Help the festival half the day and enjoy the festival for the rest of the weekend. Email your contact information to themushroomfestival@gmail.com and the festival's volunteer coordinator will contact you.

Community Parade: The Community Parade is a great opportunity for area clubs, organizations, neighborhoods, and friends to come together and be a part of the festivities by entering a float, organizing a marching band, or coming as a marching unit. The parade's theme: Mushrooms on Parade. The parade kicks-off at 6 p.m. from State and Walnut Streets. Details and applications are online.

Antique and Classic Car Show: Sit in the shade along Broad Street and proudly display your antique or classic car for all our festival guests to admire. This annual Saturday event is a festival favorite of our attendees. Preregistration is open until Aug. 26 for $15. Open registration the day of the event, is $20. The first 60 registrants receive a t-shirt, dash plaque, one admission wristband, and a free package of mushrooms. The event runs from 11 a.m. To 4 p.m.

Mushroom Run/Walk: Make the commitment now to start your Mushroom Festival Sunday with a brisk run or walk along the scenic Red Clay Valley. If you like a little competition, set your goals on winning. This annual 5K run and two-mile walk starts and finished in front of Kennett High School and traverses along the winding Red Clay Creek, passing a few of the area’s mushroom farms along the way. Online preregistration is open until Sept. 4 for $20. Race-day (Sunday, Sept. 8) registration is $25. Race participants receive a T-shirt, while supplies last. Admission wristbands are included with registration. Prizes are awarded for first place overall male and female, and top walker. Medals are awarded for first, second, and third place in all age categories. Beverages and snacks are provided after the run. The race kicks-off at 8:30 am on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Cute-as-a-Button: Entries are being accepted for the Cute-as-a-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest through Aug. 21. Take a photo of your precious Button (6 to 15 months old), Crimini (15 to 24 months old) and/or Portabella (2 to 3 years old) and send it to us with the application form. From Aug. 27 through Sept. 5, encourage all your friends and family to vote online for their favorite in each category. Each online vote received equals a penny in the donation jar, as all contestants vie for the title of 2013's Cutest Button, Crimini, and Portabella. At the Festival attendees continue the voting with their pocket change. The photo which collects the most funds is crowned this year's cutest. All donations are given to a children's charity through the Mushroom Festival's grant program.